After a sizzling couple of weeks of summer, expect July to start off with a bang. Some Independence Day events are happening independently from the holiday, with fireworks lighting up the sky starting July 1.
Bethel will be among the first communities in the region to congratulate the country on its freedom with a fireworks show on Monday (although, historically, that honor goes to New Bern, which hosted the first celebration in the state in 1778).
In Bethel, fireworks will be visible near the water tower, and parking is available at 6459 Main St. Food trucks will be on site beginning and 6:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9. Most other area events will be held Wednesday and Thursday. Here are some ways to celebrate:
Greenville
The City of Greenville will host Independence Day festivities beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Town Common, 105 E. First St. This year’s celebration will include a Cruise In car show, inflatables, food trucks, live music and beer garden. The fireworks finale will be on display at dusk, about 9:15 p.m.
Farmville
Folks in Farmville will get a jump on the holiday with a celebration July 3. The day will begin with a youth led Patriot Parade at 9:30 a.m. hosted by the Farmville Public Library. Events at the Town Common begin at 6 p.m. with music by the Tar River Community Band. Farmville Cub Scout Pack 25 will sell hot dogs and concessions. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Kinston
Downtown Kinston Revitalization and Kinston Parks and Recreation will host Summerfest Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at Pearson Park, 300 E. North St. The North Tower Band will play at 6 with fireworks at 9.
Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount’s festivities will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the city’s sports complex, 600 Independence Drive. The event will include games, activities and food trucks, along with live music by Rhythm Express. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Tarboro
Tarboro’s annual July 4th celebration will take place from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Braswell Park, 1501 Western Blvd. Hosted by the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department, the event will include live music, food trucks, vendors, and kids rides and inflatables. Fireworks with Zambelli will start at approximately 9:15, weather permitting.
Windsor
The Town of Windsor also will celebrate the Fourth beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the River Center, located just off U.S. 17 Business. The event will include entertainment, activities and craft vendors, followed by fireworks at nightfall.
Belhaven
Belhaven Fourth of July is a two-day celebration. The event will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday with a Little Patriots Parade, followed by a hot dot eating contest at 6:30 p.m. and street dance at 8 p.m. Festivities continue with a parade at 11 a.m. Thursday, live entertainment beginning at noon and fireworks at 9 p.m. on the waterfront.
New Bern
Tryon Palace, 529 S. Front St., New Bern will offer a historic celebration of the holiday on Thursday. At 10 a.m., a costumed interpreter will read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the palace. New Bern’s observance of the fourth of July as Independence Day is believed to be the first in North Carolina, and the third oldest celebration in the nation, following those in Boston and Philadelphia. In celebration of that history, this year’s festivities also will include demonstrations at the encampment, fife and drum corps performances and firing of the muskets. Admission to the gardens is free all day. Visit tryonpalace.org. A city celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Lawson Creek Park. The event will include live music, food trucks, inflatables, games and activities Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Others
Washington, N.C.’s fireworks display will begin at 9:15 p.m. Thursday at 102 Stewart Parkway.Fireworks in Wilson will begin at 9 p.m. Thursday at the county’s fairgrounds, 2331 U.S. 301. Gates open at 5 p.m.
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